Fall 2025 Commencement

Commencement Location: 

Mildred Sainer Pavilion – New College of Florida
5313 Bay Shore Rd
Sarasota, FL 34243

Schedule of Important Events:

Thursday, December 11

10:00 a.m. – Commencement Seating Opens – Sainer Pavilion (Tickets Only)

10:00 a.m. Graduates Arrive Pre-Commencement – Sainer Lobby (Graduates Invite Only)

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Commencement Ceremony – Sainer Pavilion (Tickets Only)

12:00 p.m. – Reception for Graduates Following Ceremony – Sainer Green (Tickets only)

We’re so excited to celebrate our graduating class!  Please note that our graduation ceremony is a ticketed event, exclusively for graduating students and their families. Everyone over the age of 3 must have a ticket to attend the New College Commencement ceremony. 

For ticket inquiries, please contact [email protected].

How many tickets do eligible graduates receive?

Each graduate will receive ten (10) tickets to the ceremony.

As an eligible graduate, do I need a ticket?

As a graduate, you do not need a ticket, but you have to have a stage pass in order to enter commencement. Your stage pass is available to you after you register. Everyone over the age of three (3) must have a ticket to enter. Graduates must register for an account here and then can email tickets to guest(s). 

How do I get my tickets?

Tickets will be available for download from November 10, 2025, through the deadline of December 11, 2025, 11:00 a.m. Please follow the instructions below during that time frame to obtain your tickets: 

• Click here
• Click view under active ceremonies. 
• Add new ticket
• Select number of tickets (up to 10) 
• Add the emails to the people you want to send a ticket to. 
• Click ‘Send’

Guest(s) will receive an email confirmation that has their tickets attached. Tickets can also be viewed here. 

Guests may print their tickets or view mobile tickets on their device to be scanned for entry. The unique barcode on each ticket allows only one entry into the ceremony. The first copy of an e-ticket (if there are multiple copies made) to arrive will gain entry after scanning and validation. Other copies of this ticket will be denied entry.

Is there a deadline to download tickets?

No. Tickets will become available for eligible graduates on November 10, 2025 and available for download until the time of the ceremony. 

Can I request extra tickets?

Yes, there will be a waiting list for graduates who need additional tickets. Students can request to be added to the waiting list by emailing [email protected]. 

However, please note that being added to the waitlist does not guarantee you will receive an additional ticket to the ceremony. The availability of additional tickets is based on the number of graduates attending and the number of tickets that are left unclaimed. Please plan accordingly.

When will I find out if I’ve received tickets from the waiting list?

If you are selected to receive an additional ticket, a notification will be sent to your email account with further instructions on how to claim your extra ticket. At that time, you have 24 hours to claim your waitlist ticket. All unclaimed tickets will be redistributed to other graduates.

What if I forget something in my car can I re-enter? 

If something is forgotten re-entry is allowed, but your ticket must be rescanned and go back through security before re-entering the facility. 

Regalia (cap, gown, and tassel)

Regalia (caps, gowns and tassels) are available to each graduate for no cost. Regalia will be available for pick up at the NCF Bookstore.

Commencement Announcements

This year graduates have the ability to order custom New College of Florida announcements by visiting http://www.herffjones.com/college/graduation.

Parking and Building Entry 

• Graduates and their guests will be able to park in front of the Sainer Pavilion or in the adjacent lot to the facility. Following the parking signs for entrance. 
• The ceremony is held at the Mildred Sainer Pavilion. Doors open 1 hour prior to the ceremony.  
• All persons entering the facility, including graduates, are subject to bag check and metal detector screening.
• All graduates must enter through the main entrance and present their stage pass. Once inside, students will be directed to the Lobby to wait for the ceremony to begin. 
• Once the ceremony begins all bachelor’s and master’s students will then proceed down to the front of the room.

Guest Tickets and Seating Information

• Tickets are required for family/friends.
• Accessible seating is available in the Sainer Pavilion for those with mobility devices and those with limited mobility. This seating is available on a first come, first served basis and cannot be reserved in advance.

Ceremony Information

• Only graduates and Commencement staff/volunteers are permitted in graduate areas.
• Students who choose to participate in Commencement are encouraged to wear official NCF regalia while crossing the stage. Graduates are encouraged to wear business casual attire under their regalia. NCF regalia is institutionally-recognized cap, gown, tassel, and hood. 
• Commencement is a time for you and your fellow graduates to celebrate your achievements. Please be aware the NCF Student Code of Conduct remains in effect at the ceremony and inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated as we do not want to distract from other graduates and their own celebration. Any person in violation of the Code of Conduct and/or who disrupts, distracts, or otherwise interferes with the ceremony will be subject to removal from the facility and the ceremony.
• By attending Commencement, graduates’ consent to being photographed and to the recording of and use of their name, voice and likeness by NCF and its licensees for advertising, publicity and any other purposes in any and all media in perpetuity and without any right of approval. If graduates do not wish to be photographed or recorded, please do not attend.
• Graduates will have formal photos taken after they cross the stage by GradImages. Proofs will be emailed a few days after Commencement which will be available for purchase.
• The ceremony is expected to last approximately 1 hour. Students are not allowed to leave early and for the consideration of others, we ask that guests stay the entire duration as well. 
• Once the ceremony has concluded, all graduates will be directed behind the Sainer Pavilion to the Sainer Green for the Graduation Reception — please inform your family/friends of this to make for an easier reunification process.
• Academic regalia is encouraged to participate in Commencement. Formal military uniforms may be worn in lieu of academic regalia.
• Our ceremony will be livestreamed from the university’s YouTube channel. Students must attend the ceremony in order for their name to be announced.
• Diplomas are not handed out at Commencement—students will be mailed their diplomas approximately four to six weeks after the end of the semester. Questions about diplomas should be directed to the Registrar’s Office.

Venue Information

To help ensure your safety, NCF ceremony has strict security measures designed to help all guests have a safe and enjoyable experience while attending an event. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.  Your safety is always the first concern.

Bag Searches:
Personal bags must be smaller than 12″ x 12″ x 12″. These are subject to search upon entry. Backpacks are not permitted (parenting/diaper bags and medical bags are permissible). 

Prohibited Items and Policies

Banners and Signs:
Signs are not permitted. 

Bottles/Containers and Food:
Guests are not permitted to bring outside bottles or containers inside the Bayfront tent.

The following items are prohibited and guests may dispose of the unauthorized items prior to entering the facility:

• Breakable Vases
• Coolers
• Flags
• Helium Balloons
• Large Bags
• Laser Pointers
• Long Chains/Sharp Spikes
• Noise Makers/Air Horns
• Offensive Banners/Posters
• Pepper Spray or Mace
• Skateboards
• Sticks or Poles of any kind
• Suitcases
• Tripods
• Wallet Chains
• Weapons of any kind
• Wrapped Gifts

Guests with specific dietary needs due to medical conditions or religious requirements should contact [email protected], and we are happy to accommodate.

Re-Entry

• If you must exit the ceremony, re-entry is allowed. Your ticket must be rescanned and you must go through security before re-entering the facility

Dress Code

• The suggested dress code for guests is business casual. 

Accessibility Accommodations

• Graduates who require accommodations for commencement due to a disability should contact the NCF Accessible Learning Center (ALC) at 941-487-4484 or via email at [email protected].

Welcome Families, Friends and Guests! We know this is an exciting time for you and your graduate of New College of Florida. To help you prepare for your ceremony experience, please review the following information.

Directions and Parking

The Commencement ceremony will be located at the Mildred Sainer Pavilion – New College of Florida, 5313 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243. All guests will park in the front of the facility or in the adjacent lot. Following the parking signs upon arrival. Accommodations for disabled parking is also available.

From I-75, take the University Parkway exit 213 west six miles to the intersection of US 41/Tamiami Trail. Cross through the light and enter the Ringling Museum grounds. Volunteers will direct you from there.

There is no cost for parking and parking permits are not required during the commencement ceremony.

Ceremony Information

New College’s commencement ceremony is held at the Mildred Sainer Pavilion – New College of Florida, 5313 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243. Doors open 1 hour prior to the start of the undergraduate and master’s ceremony. All persons entering the facility, including graduates, are subject to bag check and metal detector screening. Seating is first come, first served and tickets are required. Seat saving is not allowed.

• There will be one entry point for graduates and guests. 
• Graduates will have formal photos taken after they cross the stage by GradImages; graduates will be emailed proofs a few days after Commencement which are available for purchase.
• The ceremony is expected to last approximately 1 hour. Students are not allowed to leave early and for the consideration of others, we ask that guests stay the entire duration, as well. 
• Once the ceremony has concluded all graduates will be directed out of Sainer Pavilion towards the Sainer Green for the graduation reception—inform your family/friends of this to make for an easier reunification process.
• Academic regalia is encouraged to participate in Commencement. Formal military uniforms may be worn in lieu of academic regalia.
• Our ceremonies will be livestreamed from the university’s YouTube channel. Students must attend the ceremony in order for their name to be announced.
• Diplomas are not handed out at Commencement—students will be mailed their diplomas approximately four to six weeks after the end of the semester. Questions about diplomas should be directed to the Registrar’s Office.

Venue Information

To help ensure your safety, NCF Ceremony has strict security measures designed to help all guests have a safe and enjoyable experience while attending an event. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.  Your safety is always the first concern.

Bag Searches:
Personal bags must be smaller than 12x12x12″. These are subject to search upon entry. Backpacks are not permitted (parenting/diaper bags and medical bags are permissible). 

Prohibited Items and Policies

Banners and Signs:
Signs are not permitted. 

Bottles/Containers, Food:
Guests are not permitted to bring outside bottles or containers inside the bayfront tent.

Guests may not bring food and/or beverages into the bayfront tent. Guests may dispose of the unauthorized items prior to entering the facility:

• Breakable vases
• Coolers
• Flags
• Helium Balloons
• Large Bags
• Laser Pointers
• Long Chains/Sharp Spikes
• Noise Makers/Air Horns
• Offensive Banners/Posters
• Pepper Spray or Mace
• Skateboards
• Sticks or Poles of any kind
• Suitcases
• Tripods
• Wallet chains
• Weapons of any kind
• Wrapped gifts

Guests with specific dietary needs due to medical conditions or religious requirements should contact the [email protected], and we are happy to accommodate.

Re-Entry

If something is forgotten re-entry is allowed, but your ticket must be rescanned and go back through security before re-entering the facility.

Dress Code

The suggested dress code for guests is business casual. 

Accessibility

Accessible Parking

There will be parking spaces near Sainer Pavilion specifically for guests with disabilities. These spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis and require a valid license plate or window tag.

Accessible Seating

Seating for guests with disabilities is not assigned in advance. When you arrive, just let the staff know, and they’ll be happy to help you find a seat that works for you.  Requests are available for one companion per ADA guest.

If you have any other accessibility needs, please reach out to the Accessible Learning Center at [email protected].

American Sign Language Interpreter 

A sign language interpreter will be available during the graduation ceremony. If you have any other accessibility needs, please reach out to the Accessible Learning Center at [email protected].

Service Animals

Only service animals are permitted during the graduation ceremony. 

For friends and family unable to attend in person, please click the link below to join our special day via livestream.

Youtube Livestream Link